Rachel Spence (left) of Lakewood, and Karen Huston of Avon Lake, are dressed as Professor Trelawney, who teaches divination in the Harry Potter series. Inset: Jeff Thaler of Westlake, despite a lack of robes, very much looks the part of Harry Potter himself. (West Life photos by Larry Bennet)

Potter fans turn out in droves
By Ben Saylor
Westshore
Published July 25, 2007

People of all ages came out last Friday evening in eager anticipation of the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

The book, the seventh (and supposedly final) installment in a series penned by British author J.K. Rowling, was officially available for purchase at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. For the uninitiated, the series deals with the trials and tribulations of Harry Potter, a talented boy wizard.

Various locations in the Westshore hosted events in conjunction with the release of the book. At Rocky River Public Library, there was Potter Palooza, a two-hour celebration held Friday afternoon. Musical artist The Whomping Willows (so named for an abusive tree from the books), a.k.a. Rhode Island musician Matt Maggiacomo, entertained attendees with humorous songs about Harry Potter, such as “Cedric Had It Coming.” In addition, the library had games, prizes and refreshments for Potter fans. Several attendees came dressed as characters.

Dozens of Potter fans participated in a costume contest at Borders Books and Music in Westlake.

The atmosphere at Crocker Park later that day was just as energetic, albeit on a much larger scale. Both Borders Books and Music and Barnes & Noble Booksellers hosted different events in conjunction with the book’s release. People who had reserved books at either retailer were issued color-coded wristbands indicating the order in which they would be able to purchase the book.

Taylor Alston and Veronica Sima of North Olmsted were all decked out in Hogwarts (the school of witchcraft featured in the novels) attire and were waiting to pick up their copies at Borders. Both were introduced to the series in fifth grade at Pine Elementary School. Sima said she’s hoping that Rowling will choose to continue writing books about the Potter universe.

“She will write another one,” Sima said with a smile. “I have faith.”

Michael O’Brien, 6, plays Harry Potter on Friday (with a little help from some face paint) at Potter Palooza at the Rocky River Public Library.

With all the rumors and leaks regarding the book’s plot flying around the Internet in the days leading up to the book’s release, many fans found it hard to avoid overhearing speculation about the fate of the book’s characters. Alston said her brother had been telling her things he had heard.

“That’s not cool,” Alston said.

Jen Weeast of Bay Village took the under-a-rock approach: “I’ve stayed away from the Internet for the last three days.”

Meanwhile, Olmsted Falls resident Bridget Grabowski inadvertently stumbled on potential spoilers while viewing a seemingly innocent YouTube video of a puppy, which at one point began flashing supposed plot information on “Hallows.”

Since then, “I haven’t been online in forever,” Grabowski said.

Jeff Zaleski, 24, of Rocky River, said he hasn’t paid any attention to anything on the Internet or elsewhere.

“Why ruin the surprise?” said Zaleski, who was dressed as the good-or-bad Professor Snape, portrayed by Alan Rickman in the films.

Shane Hebert places a spell on Kitty Sommers, marketing director at the Rocky River Public Library.

Many fans attended the celebrations decked out in costumes for main characters such as Harry. Others dressed as supporting characters like the imperious-in-pink Professor Umbridge and the spacey divination Professor Trelawney.

Jeff Thaler, 15, of Westlake, almost didn’t need a costume; his physical resemblance to Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry in the films, was remarked upon by more than one person at Borders.

Thaler had made a wand for himself earlier on Friday from a dowel rod. Of the series coming to a close, he said, “Obviously, I’m sad it’s ending.”

Rhonda Marsh of Ohio City said she admired Rowling for her imagination and hoped she would continue to write about Harry and company, but that if she didn’t, she would read fan-written Potter tales instead.

The series, known for its colorful cast of characters, engrossing storylines and universal (and mature) themes, began 10 years ago with the publication of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (the word “Philosopher’s” is used in non-U.S. editions of the book). In 2001, the film adaptation of “Stone” was released. Just a couple weeks ago, a film of the fifth book, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” was released to generally positive reviews.